In rural Pakistan, Tara grows up feeling stifled by her family, not least by her brother who both psychologically and physically abuses her. She longs for an escape which she achieves through marriage but in her new situation in the city, she still feels trapped by her in laws and her poverty. She grows to feel envious of the rich people she interacts with. Tara’s whole life becomes about her ambition to escape her past and to accumulate but at what cost? And can she really leave her family, her brother and her former way of life behind? This is a fascinating story told against the backdrop of recent Pakistan and world history. Tara is not particularly likeable but, as a reader, I understood her beliefs and actions and I’m sure most people could identify with at least some aspect of her character. While I can’t say it’s my favourite book of the year (possibly because of Tara), it’s unlike anything I have read recently. I can’t find fault with the writing or the way the characters are sketched out and I loved that it dares to have a female character who is ambitious for herself. That’s why I’m giving it 5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

A Splintering, the latest novel from Dur e Aziz Amna, is an absolutely stunning masterclass in character building. Meet Tara, a young woman from Pakistan who is restless, yet determined to upgrade her life from that of poverty to something more. And then wants even more. She is great narrator, and she pulled me through this beautiful novel in one breathless sitting. Dur e Aziz Amna is a truly great writer, and one getting stronger with each novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Very rarely do I read a book that isn’t fantasy or romance, and books like this force me to realise that there is so much more than the genres I’m used to. I read the whole text in one sitting, just genuinely engrossed in Tara’s life. Without spoiling too much, we follow Tara through the book as she goes from dream to dream, never fully satisfied. She’s not a particularly likeable main character which adds to the overall grittiness, and at times uncomfortable nature of the book. It was so well written, and so easy to read that it felt like you were living Tara’s life alongside her as opposed to observing dispassionately. Then out of nowhere, and often, a heart wrenching line would appear and just take your breath away. A fantastic read and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work. Massive thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

An extremely readable story of a young Pakistani girl with ambitions to improve her status in the male dominated culture of Muslims. Incredible saddening facts as an intelligent Tara struggles to fulfil her dreams. Life is tough but with grit and determination Tara takes a path that at any time if discovered would have serious repercussions. The novel is set during the time of Benazir Bhutto, but is more about family relationships and culture. An eye opening novel, clearly presented and humbling. Direct and to the point and although a short read, provides an excellent starting point with historical detail. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC for review.

A Splintering by Dur e Aziz Amna is an extraordinary novel that gripped me from start to finish. This novel follows the story of Tara, a young woman from rural Punjab who marries into City life to escape her past, only to find herself caught between survival, ambition, and desire. It is set against the political unrest and natural disasters in and around Pakistan from the 1970s to early 2000s. This is the portrait of a Punjabi woman's inner world and the outside forces that shape her. Dur e Aziz Amna has written this with urgency, precision and lyricism capturing Tara's raw and unapologetic pulse of desire and mechanics of ambition. The complexity with which she is depicted makes her unforgettable even when her choices unsettle the reader. What I loved the most was the realism woven through this story. The depictions of class and struggle, the suffocating control of family and patriarchy, and the longing for reinvention felt painfully true to life for many Punjabi women, especially at that time. However, this narrative is less common in literature about Punjabi women as it resists the stereotypes and instead offers a sharp and unsentimental look at ambition, belonging and the cost of freedom for a woman. It is safe to say that A Splintering is bold, haunting and thought-provoking. A five-stars read for me as I know I won't stop thinking about this novel and I will definitely be recommending it. Thanks Netgalley and Duckworth Books for sending me this ARC.